8 April Fools Day Pranks for Your Friends and Family

Veteran hoax orchestrator Alan Abel may think "everyone waits and watches" for a prank on April Fool's, but we've found it's still surprisingly easy to pull one over on your gullible friends and loved ones. We picked five pranks for the workplace from last year's Instructables April Fool's contest hosted by instructables.com. With unemployment on the rise during this year's contest, we thought it best to stick to around-the-house gags in hopes that you can't be fired by your family. So set up these eight tricks, write us with the results and win a working jetpack!*

Jelly Doughnut Surprise

Jelly Doughnut Surprise

Catch 'em early this April Fool's by replacing the contents of a jelly doughnut with the condiment of your choice, setting up victims for spicy spitbacks or savory surprises. Heat the pastry in the microwave to lower the jelly's viscosity, then bleed it out Halal-style and suck the rest up with a turkey baster. Nozzles of Sriracha hot sauce fit perfectly in the tiny opening, but the less daring pranksters can reload the doughnut with ketchup or mustard. Fifteen minutes in the freezer lets the "jelly" gel nicely, but there is still no known method to cause the victim to take a second bite.

The Sneaky Soaker

The Sneaky Soaker

If you have a kitchen sink, a retractable spray nozzle, and only 30 seconds to ruin someone's morning, this simple prank is the one to pull. With the water turned off, press the spray nozzle trigger and use clear tape to hold it in place. Aim the nozzle at the approximate height of the victim's head. Wait for screams from the kitchen.